The council hall was abuzz with murmured conversations as the defenders gathered, summoned by Donovan for an urgent meeting. The grand chamber, lined with ancient banners of past battles, held an air of history and gravitas. Lyra leaned against a stone pillar, arms crossed, while Astrid and Avon sat at the long table, their expressions varying from curiosity to concern.
Eren stood at the far end, silent, his fingers drumming against the wooden surface in thought, well aware of why they were called here.
The last time they had gathered like this, they had been mourning the loss of two dear friends—Phoenix and George. And now, here they were, awaiting Donovan's explanation for this sudden meeting.
Then, the doors creaked open.
Phoenix stepped into the chamber, alive, breathing, her presence radiating something both familiar and foreign. The air in the room seemed to shift, time itself halting as every pair of eyes locked onto her.
